Means for vibrating and agitating material carried in cells of an elevatorconveyor



April 9, 1957 o. J. BoRRowDALE 2,788,118

MEANS FOR VIBRATING AND AGITATING MATERIAL CARRIED 1N CELLS oF ANELEvAToR-coNvEYoR 'T Sheets-Sheet ,l

Filed March 16, 1953 T" .l Ll

Q/ezz @fuji/Ze rfoffowa/ala 5f F1?, MSL? April 9, 1957 o. J. BORROWDALE2,788,118

MEANS FOR VIBRATING AND AGITATING MATERIAL CARRIED 1N cELLs oF ANELEvAToR-coNvEyoR 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 16, 1955 April 9, 1957 o.J. BoRRowDALE 2,788,118

MEANS FOR VIBRATING .AND AGITATING MATERIAL CARRIED IN CELLS 0F ANELEVATOR-CONVEYOR Filed maren 1e, 195s 7 sheets-sheet s April 9, 1957 o.1. BoRRowDALE MEANS FOR VIBRATING AND AGITATING MATERIAL CARRI IN CELLSOF AN ELEVATOR-CONVEYOR Filed March 16, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 @r1/lleJoffowa/ale l QM @Lf/f April 9i 1957 o. J. BoRRowDALE 2,788,118

RIAL CARRIED MEANS FOR VIBRATING AND AGITATING MATE IN CELLS 0F ANELEVATOR-CONVEYOR 7 sheets-sheet Filed March 16, 1953 April 9, 1957 o.J. BoRRowDALE 2,788,118

MEANS FOR VIBRATING AND AGITATING MATERIAL CARRIED IN CELLS OF ANELEVATOR-CONVEYOR Filed March 16, 1953 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 April 9, 1957 o..LBoRRowDALE 2,788,118

. MEANS FOR VIBRATING AND AGITATING MATERIAL CARRIED 1N CELLS oF ANELEvA'roR-couvmoa Filed March 16. 19525 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 y1/M02, yf/z//e rfoffozz/a/czle a? MQQH@ United States Patent lO MEANS FOR VIBRATIN G AND AGITATING MATE- RIAL CARRIED IN CELLS OF AN ELEVATOR- CONVEYOROrville J. Borrowdale, Chicago, Ill.

Application March 16, 1953, Serial No. 342,580

14 Claims. (Cl. 198-211) This invention relates to improvements in aneleva-torconveyor of the type having a relatively stationary framecarrying a rotatable frame, the latter, in turn, carrying a plurality ofcells for the lifting of material to be elevated or conveyed from alower level to an upper level.

In an elevator-conveyor of the rotary frame type the capacity thereof isdependent in part upon the rotary speed of the rotating frame. In adevice of ythis type the material to be elevated is fed to the cells attheir lowervmost position on the rotary frame and is discharged from thecells by gravity adjacent their uppermost position on the rotary frame,that is, when the cells are inverted. Inasmuch as the material must allbe discharged from the cells during the period that the inverted cellspass over a discharge conveyor, the rotary speed at which thecellcarrying frame can move must not be greater than that which willpermit complete emptying of the cells during their discharge period.Hence, by so conditioning the material in the cells at said dischargeperiod that it will freely ilow from the cells, the rate of rotation ofthe cellcarrying frame can be brought to a maximum.

The present invention contemplates means for agitating vthe materialcarried in the cells at and adjacent the discharge phase of travel ofthe cells whereby the material carried thereby will freely move from theinverted cells in a minimum period of time.

Briefly described, the present invention contemplates the use of-agitating or scraping blades movable within the cells to loosen thematerial carried thereby and also the use of vibrating means to vibratethe walls of the cells to render said material loose and free ow-ing.

Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will beapparent from the accompanying drawings and following detaileddescription.

In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a front elevational View of my improved elevator-conveyor.

Fig. 2 is a -side elevational view of the device shown in Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Fig. l.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detailed plan view of one of the cells lwith itsaccompanying agitating mechanism.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5 5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. y6 is a view similar to Fig. 4 showing a modification of theagitating mechanism. y

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken on line 7-7 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 4 illustrating another modification ofthe invention.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken on line 9-9 of Fig. 8.

Fig. l0 is a view similar to Fig. 4 showing a further modified form oftheinvention.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken on line 11-11 of Fig. l0.

Fig. l2 is a view similar to Fig. 4 illustrating another modication ofthe invention.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken on line 13--13 of Fig. kl2.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary detailed view show- 2,788,118Patented Apr. 9, 1957 ICC ing the juncture between a side wall and anend Wall of the cell :shown in Figs. l0 and ll.

Referring in detail to the drawings, l indicate vertical frame membersconnected together at the front and rear by bottom frame members 2 andtop members 3. The front and rear frame members are joined in spacedrelationship by channel irons 4. At the upper four corners of theframework thus formed loop members 5 are positioned to receive the hooksor chains of a crane or hoist whereby the framework, which carries theelevator-conveyor to be hereinafter more fully described, may be movedfrom place to place, as the situs of the material to be carried demands.

An elevator-conveyor mechanism, designated generally by the referencenumeral 6, is carried within the framework hereinbefore described, theelevator-conveyor mechanism moving within the framework in asubstantially circular path. On the framework, described, a pair of.spaced substantially circular outer race supports 7 are carried. Theelevator-conveyor frame comprises essentially a pair of spaced innerrace supports 8 held in spaced relationship by a plurality ofcross-members 9. An outer circular race 10 is carried by each of theouter race supports 7 and an inner circular race 11 is carried by eachof the inner race supports 8, rollers 12 being positioned between eachpair of races 10 and 11, whereby the elevator-conveyor frame isrotatably carried by the stationary framework.

On the inner portion of the inner race support 8 on one side of theelevator-conveyor frame, a relatively large ring gear 13 is carried. Apair of driving gears 14 mesh with the ring gear to move theelevator-conveyor frame upon the rollers 12. The stationary framework,hereinbefore described Vcomprises horizontal beams 15 and verticalsupporting beams 16 upon which an electric driving motor 17 ispositioned. A drive sprocket 18 irs mounted upon the shaft yof motor 17around which sprocket chain 19 is trained. A conventional speed reducer20 is also mounted upon the beams 15 and the input shaft thereof carriesa sprocket wheel 21 over which chain 19 is trained and whereby power istransmitted to the speed reducer. The speed reducer has output shaft 22upon which pinion 23 is mounted, the pinion being in mesh with the twodriving gears 14 which, in turn, mesh with ring gear 13.

In this fashion the elevator-conveyor frame is driven in a circularpath.

In View of the fact'that one of the advantages of the present inventionis its compactness whereby it may be disposed in cramped spaces, I havefound that the main drive mechanism comprising the motor 17, the speedreducer 20 and the various lgears may advantageously be positioned yatthe central portion of the elevator-conveyor frame, vas shown. However,it is -to be understood that, if desired, the main drive mechanism maybe positioned in either of the upper or lower corners of the stationaryframework and still be disposed within the connes of the stationaryframe. Of course, if any of the latter positions be employed, theelevator-conveyorframe will be driven through an external ring gearinstead of the internal ring` gear 13.

The rotatable elevator-conveyor `6 carries a plurality of cell orbuckets 24 which comprise substantially rectangular containers .eachhaving end walls 25 and.26,.side walls 27 and 28 and a bottom 29. Themouths of the cells are open and face the axis of rotation of therotatable elevator-conveyor 6, said cells being disposed adjacent eachother. The end walls 25 and 26 are supported adjacent the open portions.of the cells by transverse rods 30 which, in turn, are supported attheir ends by frame members v31 and 32.

A shaft 33 extends through the bottom 29 of each cell 24, said shaftbeing rotatable with respect to said bottom. The shaft` is journaled ina bearing 34 which is carried upon the outer face of the bottom 29. Ascraper blade 35 is rigidly securedto shaft 33 within the cell 24 and isadapted to be `rotated in proximity to the bottom of the cell whereby toagitate material which may be carried by the cell. A pair of shafts 35extend through opposite side walls 27 and 28 of each cell, said shaftsbeing journaled by means of bearings 36 mounted upon the outer faces ofthe side walls 27 and 28. A scraper blade 37 is rigidly mounted uponeach of the shafts 35', said blades being adapted to be rotated by theshafts 35 whereby material carried in the cell is agitated and scrapedfrom the inner faces of the side walls 27 and 28.

A pair of shafts 38 extend through end walls 25 and 26, said shaftsbeing journaled in bearings 39 carried on the outer faces of the endwalls and 26. A scraper blade 40 is rigidly secured to each of theshafts 38 and is adapted to be rotated by said shafts in order toagitatethe material carried in the cells and to scrape the inner faces of theend walls 25 and 26.

A spur gear 41 is mounted `upon a shaft 42 journaled in bearings 43which in turn are carried by frame members 44. For each of the cells 24carried by the elevatorconveyor 6 a spur gear 41 is provided and as Willbe hereinafter more fully described, during a portion of the revolutionof the elevator-conveyor fratrie 6 said spur gearsare rotated. The spurgear 41 meshes with a companion gear 45 which is mounted upon atransverse shaft 46 journaled in bearings 47 carried upon opposite framemembers 31 and 32. A `bevel gear 48 is mounted upon shaft 46 and mesheswith a companion bevel gear 49 carried upon a shaft 50 which isjournaled in bearing 51. The bearing 51 is carried upon an outer face ofa plate which comprises an extension of the bottom 29. A sprocket wheel52 is mounted upon the opposite end of shaft 50 and a sprocket chain 53is trained around the sprocket wheel 52. A sprocket wheel 54 is mountedupon the extending end of shaftr33 and sprocket chain 53 is also trainedaround the sprocket wheel 54. When the gear 41 is rotated, shaft 46 willalso be rotated whereby chain 53 drives shaft 33, in turn, rotating thescraper blade 35. Hence, scraper blade 35 will be `rotated at apredetermined portion of the revolution of each of the cells.

A pair of sprocket wheels 55 are mounted upon the end portions of shaft46, one sprocket wheel 55 being positioned adjacent each end of theshaft. A pair of sprocket chains 56 are trained around sprocket wheels55 and each chain is respectively trained around a sprocket wheel 57carried upon each shaft 35. It can readily be seen that when shaft 46 isrotated, the sprocket chains 56 drive the opposite shaft 35 and hencethe opposite scraper blades 37 are rotated.

A spiral gear 58 is mounted upon a shaft 59 which is journaled inbearings 60 carried by a frame member 61. The spiral gear 58 meshes witha companion spiral gear 62 carried upon shaft 46. Hence when shaft 46 isrotated shaft 59 will also be rotated.` A sprocket wheel 63 is mountedupon shaft 59 and a sprocket chain 64 is trained around the sprocketwheel 63. A sprocket wheel 65 is carried upon one of the shafts 38 andchain 64 is also trained around sprocket wheel 65 whereby said shaft 38is rotated. The rotation of shaft 38 in turn results in rotation of oneof the scraper blades 40. A second sprocket wheel 66 is mounteduponshaft 59 and drives a sprocket chain 67 which, in turn, is trainedaround a sprocket wheel 68 mounted upon a shaft 69. Shaft 69 isjournaled in bearings 70 and said shaft extends parallel to and adjacentthe side wall 27 of each cell 24. A sprocket wheel 71 is carried at theopposite end of shaft 69 and a sprocket chain 72 is trained aroundsprocket wheel 71. A sprocket wheel 73 is carried upon the extending endof the opposite shaft 3S and .4 sprocket chain 72 is trained around thesprocket wheel 73 whereby the opposite scraper blade 40 is rotated.

As has been hereinbefore described, during a portion of the rotation ofthe elevator conveyor fram 6 the gear 41 is driven whereby scraperblades 35, 37 and 40 are rotated adjacent, respectively, the bottom 29,the side walls 27 and 28, and the end walls 25 and 26. In this fashionthe material which may be carried by each cell 24 is agitated during aportion of travel of the cell upon the elevator conveyor frame 6. Inaddition, the inner defining walls of the cell are scraped by therespective scraper blades.

During operation of the device the elevator-conveyor frame 6 is rotatedby the motor 17 and in this fashion the cells 24 carried by the elevatorconveyor are moved in an annular path. As has been hereinbeforedescribed the cells are so positioned upon the elevator conveyor framethat the open mouths thereof face the center of rotation of the elevatorconveyor frame. Hence, a predetermined cell 24 at its lowermost positionupon the elevator conveyor frame will be disposed with its open mouthfacing upwardly.

In order to load material to be elevated or conveyed from a lower levelto an upper level, a conveyor 74 is employed. The conveyor 74 comprisesan endless conveyor belt 75 which is trained around terminal rolls 76,only one of which is shown. During the upper pass of the conveyor belt75, Said belt is supported by rollers 77 and at the lower pass of saidbelt said belt is guided by guide rollers 78. A trough 79 borders theupper pass of the belt 75 and said trough terminates within the elevatorconveyor frame 6 above thetlowerm'ost cell 24 in a spout 80. Material tobe elevated may be loaded upon the upper pass of the conveyor 74 and isto be transferred through the spout 80 to the lowermost cell 24 carriedupon the elevator conveyor frame A6. In operation the conveyor 74 isoperated continuously as is also the elevator-conveyor frame 6 and hencethe loading proceeds as each cell 24 reaches its lowermost position.

As the elevator conveyor frame 6 rotates the cells, as

kthey leave their lowermost position, commence to be inverted and saidcells are completely inverted when they reach the uppermost positionupon the elevator conveyor frame. In order to prevent the unintendedspilling of the material carried by the cells after they are loaded atthe lowermost position of their travel a belt 81 is employed. The belt81 is trained around terminal rolls 82 and 83 and is guided by aplurality of rollers 84 which are disposed with their axes traversingthe path of travel of the cell mouths, that is, the rollers 84 aredisposed arcuately. Guide rollers 85 are also employed for guiding belt81 during its return pass. A spur gear 86 is mounted upon shaft 87 whichcarries the terminal roll 83, said spur gear being adapted to mesh withring gear 13 whereby belt 81 is driven in step with the movement of theelevator conveyor frame 6.

The belt 81 is of such width as to completely span the width of thecells 24 and the terminal roll 82 is disposed adjacent the lowermostposition of the cells upon the elevator conveyor frame. The position ofthe terminal roll S2 is such that shortly after the lowermost cell 24has been loaded, the mount of said cell passes beneath the arcuatelycarried belt 81. As the elevator conveyor frame 6 continues its rotarymovement the loaded cells are carried in a counterclockwise direction,as viewed in Fig. l, and the belt 81 functions as a cover for the mouthsof the cells whereby the material carried in said cells is preventedfrom spilling from said cells.

Adjacent the uppermost position of the cells upon thc elevator conveyorframe 6, a discharge conveyor 88 is positioned, said conveyor comprisingan endless conveyor belt 89 which is trained around terminal rolls 90,only one of which is shown. The upper pass of the conveyor belt 89 issupported by rollers 91 and the lower pass thereof is guided by rollers92. A trough 93 borders the upper pass of the conveyor belt 89 at theposition where the conveyor belt 89 moves beneath the uppermost cell 24upon the elevator conveyor frame, said trough widens whereby the taperedsides 94 of said trough span `an angle relative to the elevator conveyorframe, the angle being substantially equal to the span of two cells 24.

The terminal roll 83 of belt 81 is positioned adjacent one of the troughsides 94 whereby belt 81 which has up to that period of travel of thecells been functioning as covers for the cells, returns over the roll83. Consequently, that cell which has approached the situs of theconveyor 88 moves to such a position that its mouth is again opened andthe material carried by said cell is free to fall by gravity from thecell to the conveyor 88.

As has been hereinbefore described, the capacity of the elevatorconveyor is dependent in part upon the speed of rotation of the elevatorconveyor frame 6. It has further been described that the speed ofrotation is dependent upon the rate at which the cells may be emptied attheir uppermost position of travel. As can readily be seen withreference to Fig. l, the cells at the uppermost position of travel withthe elevator conveyor frame 6 must be completely emptied throughout theangle spanned by the sides 94 of the trough 93 of the conveyor 88.Hence, it is desirable that the material carried by the cells be soconditioned adjacent the conveyor 88 that said material will flow freelyand rapidly from the cells.

As has also been hereinbefore described, scraper blades 35, 37 and 40are periodically rotated during a portion of the travel of the cellswith the elevator conveyor frame 6. In order to accomplish this rotationof the scraper blades an arcuate rack 95 is positioned adjacent the pathof travel of the cell bottoms and spans an angle which conformssubstantially to the discharge station of the cells 24. As has beenhereinbefore described, when the cells approach one of the sides 94 ofthe trough 93, the belt 81 leaves its position as a cell cover andreturns over the roll 83. Slightly before this occurs, gear 41 engagesthe teeth of the arcuate rack 95 and hence said scraper blades arerotated in order to agitate the material carried by the cell and scrapethe various dening walls of the cell. In this fashion the materialcarried by the cells is loosened and is conditioned to freely spill fromsaid cells. The length of the rack 95 is such that the rotation of thescraper blades is continued while the unloading cell moves through amajor portion of the arc spanned by the sides 94 of the conveyor 88 andhence substantially all of the material carried by the cells is unloadedupon the conveyor 88.

Referring particularly to Figs. 6 and 7 a modification of the cellstructure and accompanying agitating mechanism is illustrated, Theelevator-conveyor frame 6, hereinbefore described, instead of carryingcells 24 and the accompanying agitating mechanism described, may carry aplurality of cells 96. The cells 96 may each comprise a bottom 97, endwalls 98 and side walls 99. The bottom 97 may be carried on oppositesupporting spacers 100 which, in turn, may be carried on frame panel101, comprising a portion of the elevator-conveyor frame. A plurality oftransversely disposed circumferentially spaced supporting bars 102,similar to bars 30 hereinbefore described, support the outer edges ofthe end walls 98. The end wall of a predetermined cell 96 mayconveniently be formed integral with the adjacent end wall 98 of anadjacent cell, the mid portion of the integral panel being wrappedaround and secured by means of welding or the like to an intervening bar102.

A shaft 107 extends through bottom 97 of each cell, said shaft beingjournaled in bearing 108 carried upon the outer face of panel 101. Asprocket wheel 109 is mounted upon the end of shaft 107 around which asprocket chain 110 is trained, said chain also being trained aroundsprocket wheel 111 mounted upon a shaft (not shown) which is journaledin bearings 112 supported by frame member 113. A bevel gear 114 ismounted upon said shaft and meshes with a companion bevel gear 115mounted upon shaft 116 which extends across the elevator-conveyor frameand is journaled in bearings 117 at each end thereof. A spur gear 118 ismounted upon shaft 116 and meshes with a drive gear 119. Similar to therelationship between gear 41 and the arcuate rack 95, drive gear 119 isdriven by said rack when the elevator-conveyor frame rotates, therebyrotating shaft 107. A scraper blade 120 is mounted upon shaft 107 and ispositioned within cell 96 adjacent the bottom 97. Hence, when shaft 107is rotated, the blade 120 acts to agitate the material carried in thecell 96 and scrape the inner surface of said bottom 97.

A shaft 121 extends through each side wall 99 being journaled inbearings 122 and 123 respectively mounted upon the outer faces of saidwalls, and frame members 124- and 125. A sprocket wheel 126 is mountedupon each of the shafts 121 and each sprocket wheel is driven by asprocket chain 127 which is trained around each sprocket wheel. Twosprocket wheels 128 are mounted upon shaft 116, one adjacent eachopposite end of said shaft. Chains 127 are each trained around onesprocket wheel 128 and are driven thereby when shaft 116 is rotated, ashas been hereinbefore described. A scraper blade 129 is carried by eachshaft 121, said blade rotating within the cell 96 adjacent each oppositeside wall 99. Blades k129 also function to agitate the material carriedby the cell 96 and scrape the inner faces of the walls 99 when gear 119engages the arcuate rack 95.

As a feature of the form of the invention shown in Figs. 6 and 7, theend walls 98 of each of the cells 96 are vibrated in order to agitatethe material carried adjacent said walls and break the adherence of saidmaterial with respect to said walls. The vibrating mechanism isdescribed, as follows:

A bifurcated bracket 130 is rigidly secured to each supporting bar orrod 102 intermediate the length of said rod and preferably adjacent thecenter of each wall 98. A sleeve 131 is pivotally connected, as at 132,to each bracket 130. A plunger 133 is slidably positioned in each sleeve131 and is adapted to reciprocate in said sleeve, each plunger at itsend carrying a ring 134 which rotatably embraces an eccentric block 135.Block 135 is eccentrically carried vupon shaft 116 and rotates with saidshaft. A guide bracket 136 is mounted upon the outer face of each endwall 98 and slidably receives a hammer 137 which is rigidly carried bysleeve 131.

The arrangement is such that when shaft 116 rotates, as has beenhereinbefore described, the sleeve 131 is swung about the pivot 132thereby imparting to the hammer a substantially transverse reciprocatingmotion the effect of which is to cause the ends of said hammer vto exerta sharp rap upon the end walls 98. In View of the fact that an end wallof a predetermined cell is disposed adjacent an end wall of an adjacentcell the harnmer 137 is double acting, that is, the adjacent end wallsof adjacent cells are alternately rapped by the opposite ends of eachhammer.

The operation of the elevator-conveyor in carrying the cells 96 is thesame as that hereinbefore described with respect to cells 24. The meansfor agitating and loosening the material carried by the respective cellsis, however, different. The engagement of gear 119 with the arcuate rack95 causes the blades 120 and 129 to revolve and, in addition, the endWalls 98 are rapped or vibrated in such manner as to assist in theloosening of the carried material. By virtue of the position of thearcuate rack 95, the agitation and vibration take place when each cell96 moves into the vicinity of the discharge conveyor 88.

Referring particularly to Figs. 8 and 9, another form of the inventionis illustrated. This form of the invention is substantially the same asthat hereinbefore de- 7 scribed in conjunction with Figs. 6 and 7'except that the agitating and vibrating mechanisms associated with eachcell are locally driven by electric motors, that is, one motor for eachcell, instead of being centrally driven by an engaging gear and arcuaterack, as hereinbefore de scribed in conjunction with Figs. 6 and 7.

ln the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, a pluralityof cells 138 are carried upon the rotating elevator conveyor frame 6,said cells being disposed annularly adjacent each other upon theelevator conveyor' frame. Each cell 138 comprises opposite side Walls139 and opposite end walls 140. The cell 138 also is provided with abottom 141 supported upon spacers 142 which, in turn, are carried `upona frame plate 143 which is secured to the elevator conveyor frame. Theupper edges of the end walls may be secured to transverse brace rods144- which are similar to rods 102 hereinbefore described in conjunctionwith the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7.

A shaft 145 extends through the frame panel 143 and bottom 141 land isrotatably positioned in said parts, the shaft being journaled in abearing 146 carried upon the outer face of the frame panel member 143. Ascraper blade 147 is rigidly secured to the end of the shaft within thecell 138 and is adapted to move in proximity to the bottom 141. Asprocket wheel 148 is mounted upon shaft 145 and is driven by a sprocketchain 149 which in turn is trained around a sprocket wheel 150 carriedupon a shaft (not shown) which is journaled in bearings 151 and 152,both of which are mounted upon the frame panel member 143. The upper endof the shaft which carries the sprocket wheel 150 also carries a bevelgear 153 which meshes with a companion bevel gear 154 mounted upon ashaft 1.55. The arrangement is such that when shaft 155 is rotated thescraper blade 147 is rotated adjacent the innerface of the bottom 141 ofthe cell 138 whereby material carried in said cell is agitated andscraped from the surface of the bottom.

An electric motor 156 is carried upon the elevator convcyor 6 `adjacenteach cell 138, said motor being directly connected to a speed reducer157, the output shaft of which comprises shaft 155. Hence, it will beseen that the scraper blade 147 is rotated by means of the motor 156.

A spur gear 158 is mounted upon shaft 155 and meshes with a spur gear159 which is carried upon a shaft 160, the latter being journaled inbearings 161 and 162 carried respectively upon frame members 163 and164. Ad jacent opposite ends of the shaft 16) similar sprocket wheels165 are carried, said sprocket wheels being adapted to drive similarsprocket chains` 166. Shafts 167 extend through opposite side walls 139of each cell 138, said shafts being journaled in bearings 168 and 169.Each shaft 167 carries a sprocket wheel 17? around which the sprocketchain 166 is trained. At the inner end of each of the shafts 167 ascraper blade 171 is mounted, said blade being disposed adjacent theinner face of a side wall 139. The arrangement is such that when motor156 is actuated, shaft 166 is rotated whereby both of the sprocketchains 166 are driven to rotate each of the shafts 167 and hence rotateeach of the scraper blades 171 which function to agitate the materialcarried in the cell and scrape the inner surfaces of the side walls 139.

A spur gear 172 is also mounted upon the output shaft 155 of the speedreducer 157 and said gear meshes with a companion gear 173 mounted upona transverse shaft 174 which, in turn, is journaled in bearings 175.Adjacent each end of shaft 174 a dise 176 is mounted upon each of whicha connecting rod 177 is eccentrically positioned with respect to shaft174. Each connecting rod is slidably positioned within a sleeve 178which in turn is journaled in a bracket 179, the latter being carried bythe cross rod 144. It is to be understood that there are four such.discsV 176. It will `be understood that there `are two such discsassociated with each pair of cells 138, the two dises being positionedbetween each two adjacent cells. In Fig. 8 shaft 174 is broken away atits lower end and hence the disc 176 carried at that end of the shaft isnot shown. However, the position of the disc is shown by thecorresponding disc on the opposite side of the cell 138.

A double acting hammer 180 is carried by each of the sleeves 178, theopposite ends of each of the hammers being slidably positioned in guides181 positioned upon the outer surfaces of opposite end walls 140, Thearrangement is such that when motor 156 is driven, thereby driving shaft174, the discs 176 drive the connecting rods 177 and hence the sleeves178 swing about their pivotal connection with brackets 179. Thisswingable movement is transmitted as a reciprocating movement to hammers180 which function to rap and vibrate the end walls 149. The function ofthe vibration or rapping of the walls is to loosen the material carriedwithin cell and break its adherence to the inner surfaces of the endwalls 140.

Referring particularly to Figs. l0, ll and 14, another form of cellconstruction is shown which may be employed with the elevator-conveyorhereinbefore described. Cells 182 comprise this form of invention andinasmuch as any number of such cells may be carried by theelevator-conveyor frame 6 and all of said cells are identical inconstruction, only one of said cells will be described in detail.

Each cell 182 comprises opposite end walls 183, opposite side walls 184,and a bottom 185, the side walls being formed of continuous annularplates which extend entirely around the elevatorconveyor, and thebottoms 185 comprising frame panels which are joined to each otheraround the entire circumference of the elevator' conveyor. The end walls183, at their upper edges are joined, by welding or the like, tocylindrical sleeves 186 which are rotatably mounted upon transversebrace rods 187.

As a feature of this form of the invention adjacent end walls 183 ofadjacent cells are joined together by transverse brace plates 183whereby the adjacent end walls of adjacent cells are rigidly united. Onthe outer face of one end wall of each cell a motor support 189 ismounted which carries an electric motor 190. Shaft 191 of motor 190protrudcs at each end of the motor and each protruding end is coupled bymeans of a conventional coupling 192 to a shaft 193. An eccentricallymounted disc 194 is mounted upon each shaft 193 and each is adapted tobe rotated by motor 190, the terminal ends of each shaft 193 beingjournaled in bearings 195 mounted upon brace plates 188. Thus the motorand dises 194 are carried upon the adjacent end wall 183 of adjacentcells,

The discs 194 are of considerable mass and when rotated produce aviolent vibration which is imparted to the adjacent end walls 1837 saidwalls, as has been hercinbefore described being carried by the sleeves186 whereby they may swing about the rod 187 as a pivot. Angle irons 196are disposed adjacent the lower edges of the end walls 183, said angleirons being mounted upon the frame panel comprising the bottom 185. Anelongated rubber snubber or block 19'7 is confined between each angleiron and the lower edge of each end wall, the rubber constituting thesnubber being relatively soft and permitting a limited degree ofmovement of the walls in response to the vibrations imported by theunbalanced discs 194. Angle irons 198 are secured to the side walls 184and confine a resilient packing material 199 between said angle ironsand the vertical edges of cach end wall. ln this fashion the packingmaterial 199 serves as a seal where the end walls 133 move adjacent theside walls 184.

In view of the fact that the end walls 183 move relative to-the sidewalls 184 and bottom 185 I take advantage of this relative movement toagitate the material carried by the cells 182. To augment this agitatingaction a strip of metal in zig-zag form 200 is mounted upon one end wall183 and a similar strip 201 is mounted upon the opposite end wall of thesarne cell, both strips being disposed adjacent a side wall 184. A pairof similar strips 202 and 203 are disposed similarly adjacent theopposite side wall 184, said strips also being carried by the oppositeend walls 183. A pair of zig-zag strips 204 and 205 are also mountedupon the opposite end walls 183 adjacent their lower edges, said stripsbeing disposed adjacent the inner face of the bottom 185.

The arrangement is such that when motors 190 are actuated, the vibrationimparted to the respective end walls 183 of the cells are also impartedto the strips 200, 201, 202, 203, 204 and 205 which move adjacent theside walls and bottom and function as Scrapers for breaking theadherence of the material carried with respect to the cell walls. Thisaction facilitates the emptying of the cells as they move into thevicinity of the discharge conveyor 88.

Referring particularly to Figs. l2 and 13 another modification of theinvention is shown. ln this modification of the invention a differenttype of cell vibrating means is employed. The cells are positioned uponthe elevator conveyor 6 in the manner hereinbefore described and eachcell comprises a pair of opposite end walls 206, a pair of opposite sidewalls 207 and a bottom 208. In this form of the invention the cell 209,thus formed, has its side walls, end walls and bottom wall rigidlysecured to each other. The upper edges of the end walls 206 are rigidlysecured to transverse brace bars 210.

To vibrate or agitate the material carried in the cells 209 anelectromagnet 211 is secured to the central portion of each of the sidewalls, end walls and bottom. .Each of the electro-magnetic coils 211carries a plunger 212 which is disposed within the electro-magneticcoils 211. The coils 211 and plungers 212 are of conventionalconstruction and are of the type that when the coils are electricallyenergized, the plungers vibrate and function as vibrating hammers which,in turn, vibrate the respective walls and bottom of each of the cells.

In the forms of the invention illustrated in Figs. l0, 11 and 14 and inFigs. l2 and 13, `an electrical switch, of the conventional-limit switchtype may be associated with each of the motors 190 and each of theelectromagnetic coils 211. These switches are not shown in the drawingsbut are of such character that when they move adjacent rack 95 they willbe contacted by said rack or an equivalent cam rail so that therespective electrical apparatus will be set into operation as the mouthsof the cells are uncovered by the conveyor belt 81 adjacent the troughsides 94 of the discharge conveyor 88. In this fashion the vibration andagitation of the material carried by the cells is brought about at thepoint where said cells are being emptied onto the conveyor 8S.

It is apparent kthat herein is provided a number of devices for suitablyagitating, vibrating or scraping material carried by open cells whereinthe cells are moved in an annular path to elevate material from a lowerlevel to an upper level, the vibration, agitation or scraping takingplace during the period that the inverted cells pass the dischargestation. By these expedients the cells can be emptied more quicklywhereby the rate of rotation of the elevator conveyor 6 can beincreased.

I claim as my invention:

l. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relativelystationaryframe, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon saidstationary frame, means for rotating said rotatable frame, ya pluralityof open-mouthed cells each having separate defining walls carried bysaid rotatable frame for the reception of material to be elevated andconveyed, means for closing'the mouths of the cells after they areloaded, means for removing said closing means from the mouths of thecells before unloading the cells, and means carried-between adjacentwalls of 10 adjacent cells for vibrating the material in said cellsduring unloading thereof.

2. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationaryframe, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon saidstationary frame, means for rotating said rotatable frame, a pluralityof open-mouthed substantially contiguous cells each having separatedelining walls carried by said rotatable frame for the reception ofmaterial to be elevated and conveyed, means carried by the stationaryframe for closing the mouths of the cells after they are loaded, meansfor removing said closing means from the mouths of the cells beforeunloading the cells, and means carried between adjacent cells forv-ibrating the material in said cells during unloading thereof.

3. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationaryframe, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon saidstationary frame, means carried by said stationary frame for rotatingsaid rotatable frame, a plurality of open-mouthed cells each defined byseparate walls annularly disposed upon said rotatable frame with theopen mouths of said cells facing the axis of rotation of the rotatableframe land with a space between portions of adjacent walls of adjacentcells, means for loading said cells at their lowermost position oftravel, means carried by the stationary frame for closing the mouths ofthe loaded cells, said cells being unloaded adjacent their upper portionof travel during inversion of the cells, means for removing said closingmeans adjacent the unloading position of said cells, and means carriedin said spaces between adjacent cells for vibrating the material in thecells during the inversion of said cells.

4. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationaryframe, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon saidstationary frame, means carried by said stationary frame for rotatingsaid rotatable frame, a plurality of separate open-mouthed cells eachdefined by separate walls annularly disposed upon said rotatable framewith the open mouths of said cells facing the axis of rotation of therotatable frame, means for loading said cells at their lowermostposition of travel, endless means carried by the stationary frame forclosing the mouths of the loaded cells, means for moving said endlessmeans Vin timed relationship with the movement of the cells upon therotatable frame, said cells being inverted adjacent their upper portionof travel, means disposed on said stationary frame adjacent the upperportion of travel of said cells for removing said endless means fromclosure position with respect to said cell mouths, and means carriedbetween adjacent cells for vibrating the material in the cells duringthe inversion of the cells to facilitate unloading of ysaid cells.

5. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationaryframe, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon saidstationary frame, means carried by said stationary frame for rotatingsaid rotatable frame, a plurality of rectangular sectioned open-mouthedcells each deiined lby separate walls annularly disposed upon saidrotatable frame with the open mouths of said cells facing the axis ofrotation of the rotatable frame and with spaces between adjacent wallsof adjacent cells, means for loading said cells at their lowermostposition of travel, an endless belt carried by the stationary frame forclosing the mouths of 'the loaded cells, means for moving said belt intimed relationship with the movement of the cells'upon the rotatableframe, said cells being inverted adjacent their upper portion of travel,y

means disposed on said stationary frame adjacent the upper portion of'travel of Vsaid cells for removing said belt from closure position withrespect to said cell mouths, and means carried in said spaces betweenadjacent cells for vibrating the material in the cells during theinversion of the cells to facilitate unloading of said cells.

6. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationaryframe, a substantially vertically rotatable `frame mounted upon saidstationary frame, means for rotating said rotatable frame, a pluralityof open-mouthed cells each being defined by separate walls carried bysaid rotatable frame for the reception of material to be elevated andconveyed, means for closing the mouths of the cells after they areloaded, means for removing said closing means from the mouths of thecells before unloading the cells, rotating blades carried within eachcell to agitate portions of the material in said cells during unloadingof said cells, and means disposed between adjacent cells for rotatingsaid blades when said cells are in unloading position.

7. An elevating andconveying device comprising a relatively stationaryframe, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon saidstationary frame, means for rotating said rotatable frame, a pluralityof openrnouthed cells each having separate defining Walls carried bysaid rotatable frame for the reception of material to be elevated andconveyed, means for closing the mouths of the cells after they areloaded, means for removing said closing means fromthe mouths of theCells before unloading the cells, rotating blades carried within eachcell to vibrate and agitate the material in said cells during unloadingof said cells, and means for rotating said blades when said cells are inunloading position, said rotating means comprising a rack upon saidstationary frame disposed adjacent the unloading position of said cells,and means carried by said rotating frame between adjacent `walls ofadjacent cells and connected to the blades in each cell engageable withsaid rack to rotate said blades when said rotatable frame moves.

8. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationaryframe,` a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon saidstationary frame, means for rotating said rotatable frame, aplurality ofopen-mouthed cells carried by said rotatable frame for the reception ofmaterial to be elevated and conveyed, means for closing the mouths ofthe cells after they are loaded, means for removing said closing meansfrom the mouths of the cells before unloading the cells, rotating bladesdisposed adjacent the inner surface of certain walls of each cell tovibrate and agitate the material in said cells, oscillating meansdisposed adjacent the outer surfaces of the remaining wall of each cellto vibrate and agitate the material carried in said cell, means carriedbetween adjacent walls of adjacent cells for driving said blades andoscillating means, and means carried by said stationary frame foractuating said driving means when said cells are in unloading position.

9. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationaryframe, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon saidstationary frame, a plurality of open-mouthed cells carried by saidrotatable frame for the reception of material to be elevated andconveyed, means for closing the mouths of the cells after they areloaded, means for removing said closing means from the mouths of thecells before unloading the cells, rotating blades disposed adjacent theinner surface of certain walls of each cell to vibrate and agitate thematerial in said cells, eccentrically driven hammer means disposedadjacent the outer surfaces of the remaining walls of each cell tovibrate and agitate the material carried in said cell, means carriedbetween adjacent walls of adjacent cells for driving said blades andhammer means, and means carried by said stationary frarnefor actuatingsaid driving means when said oells are in unloading position.

l0. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationaryframe, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon saidstationary frame, means for rotating said rotatable frame, -a pluralityof open-mouthed cells carried by said rotatable frame for the receptionof material to be elevated and conveyed, means for closing the mouthsofthe cells after they are j" loaded, means for removing said closingmeans from the mouths of the'cells before unloading the cells, rotatingblades disposed adjacent the inner surface of certain walls of each cellto vibrate and agitate the material in said cells, oscillating meansdisposed adjacent the outer surfaces of the remaining wall of each cellto vibrate and agitate the material carried in said cell, an electricmotor carried by said rotatable frame between adjacent cells for drivingsaid blades and oscillating means, and means carried on said stationaryframe adjacent the unloading position of said cells for energizing saidmotors when said cells move adjacent said unloading position.

11. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationaryframe, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon saidstationary frame, a plurality of open-mouthed cells carried by saidrotatable frame for the reception of material to be elevated andconveyed, means for closing the mouths of the cells after they areloaded, means for removing said closing means from the mouths of thecells before unloading the cells, rotating blades disposed adjacent theinner surface of certain walls of each cell to vibrate and agitate thematerial in said cells, eccentrically driven hammer means disposedadjacent the outer surfaces of the remaining walls of each cell tovibrate and agitate the material carried in said cell, an electric motorcarried by said rotatable trame between adjacent cells for driving saidblades and eccentrically driven hammer means, and means carried on saidstationary frame adjacent the unloading position of said cells forenergizing said motors when said cells move adjacent said unloadingposition.

l2. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationaryframe, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon saidstationary frame, means for rotating said rotatable frame, a pluralityof openmouthed cells carried by said rotatable frame for the receptionof material to be elevated and conveyed, each of said cells having abottom and opposite side walls rigidly secured to the rotatable frameopposite end walls for said cells pivotally mounted upon said rotatableframe and swingable with respect to said side Walls and bottom,

means for closing the mouths of the cells after the cells are loaded,means for removing said closing means from the mouths of the cellsbefore unloading the cells, and means carried by the end Walls of eachcell and between adjacent cells for swinging said end walls andvibrating the material carried in the cell during unloading of the cell.

13. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationaryframe, a substantially vertically ro tatable frame mounted upon saidstationary frame, means for rotating said rotatable frame, a pluralityof openmouthed cells carried by said rotatable frame for the receptionof material to be elevated and conveyed, each of said cells having abottom and opposite side walls rigidly secured to the rotatable frameopposite end walls for said cells pivotally mounted upon said rotatableframe and swingable with respect to said side walls and bottom, scrapermeans carried by the inner side of each end wall of each cell anddisposed adjacent the inner sides of each of said side walls, secondscraper means carried by the inner side of each end wall of each celland dis posed adjacent the inner face of the bottom Wall of said cell,means for closing the mouths of the cells after the cells are loaded,means for removing said closing means from the mouths of the cellsbefore unloading the cells, and means carried by the end walls of eachcell and between adjacent cells for swinging said end walls and saidscraper means relative to the side walls and bottom to vibrate andagitate the material carried in the cell during unloading of the cell.

14. An elevating and conveying device comprising a relatively stationaryframe, a substantially vertically rotatable frame mounted upon saidstationary frame, means for rotating said rotatable frame, a pluralityof openmouthed cellscarried by said rotatable frame for the re- 13 14ception of material to be elevated and conveyed, each References Citedin the tile of this patent of said cells having a bottom, opposite sidewalls and UNITED STATES PATENTS opposite end walls, means carried bysaid stationary frame for closing the mouths of the cells after they areloaded, 76q964 Rpt; 31111623 geg means carried by said stationary framefor removing said 5 lacugeerger /etr' 22 13g 2 closing means from themouths of the cells before unload- 08h90 Tyler Aug. Z 1952 ing thecells, and a plurality of solenoid-actuated hammers mounted upon theside walls, end walls between adjacent cells and bottom of each cell forvibrating the respective walls and bottom of the cell to vibrate andagitate the 10 material carried in the cell during unloading thereof.

